York murder accused to appear in court

Lindsay Pantry and John Roberts

A York man will today appear in court charged with the murder of 20-year-old student Liam Miller on Monday.

The 19-year-old is also charged with the attempted murder of a man in his 50s who came to Mr Miller’s assistance and was found injured in the street close to the attack on Hamilton Drive, Acomb, on Monday evening.

Police at the house on Hamilton Drive in York. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

The accused has been in police custody since being released from hospital after receiving medical treatment Wednesday evening.

Mr Miller, from Terrington, near Malton, was a student at Liverpool John Moores University and had just returned home for the summer.

North Yorkshire Police launched a major enquiry following the attack.

Earlier this week, Detective Inspector Mark Pearson of the force’s Major Crime Unit, said: “We know from our enquiries that the second victim, a local man in his fifties, was chased along Hamilton Drive West where he was stabbed close to the junction with Lady Hamilton Gardens. We know that the man desperately tried to flag down passing motorists for assistance and we are appealing for those motorists to contact us.

“The vehicles we want to trace are described as a black car and a white saloon car. We are also keen to speak to any witnesses who were in this area at around 10pm on Monday.”

In a statement released through the police Mr Miller’s family said: “We are absolutely devastated by Liam’s untimely death.

“We cannot put into words the shock and disbelief we feel about what has happened.

“Liam was just 20-years-old and had his whole life ahead of him. He had returned home for the summer from Liverpool John Moores University where he was studying graphic design and illustration. We will miss him more than words can say.”

DI Pearson added: “Liam played in a local band called Nocebo and we are seeking to identify Liam’s movements over the weekend of 25, 26 and Monday July 27. We are keen to speak to anyone who has been with Liam, either in person or in contact through phone or social media.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit on 01423-539499 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Hamilton Drive area was cordoned off by police over night and re-opened this morning,

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Walker said: “The incident has caused concern to local people but I would like to offer some reassurance to them that the suspect was quickly arrested at the scene and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Our enquiries remain ongoing and there will be a police presence in the area while we continue to investigate and gather evidence from the scene.

“Our thanks go to local people who have been affected, for their patience and understanding while we deal with the incident. In particular, I would like to express our thanks to the member of the public who came to the aid of one of the victims.

“Anyone who witnessed anything of the incident or has any other information that could help our investigation, I urge you to get in touch.”